Stricter controls on HMOs are set to be introduced in a northern city amid warnings about the loss of starter homes.

Wakefield Council’s Cabinet agreed an ‘Article 4 Direction’ to tackle an increase in smaller HMOs in the city.

Currently, planning permission is required for larger HMOs, but it is not needed for properties occupied by between three and six people.

Much-needed

HMOs will require planning permission from October 2025 when the direction comes into effect in areas of Wakefield and nearby Castleford.

The new measure will not impact existing HMOs, it will only apply to proposals for new HMOs.

It is about protecting starter homes as we are losing homes in areas of high density terraced housing.”

Matthew Morley, the council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways, told a Cabinet meeting: “This is much needed, and we have piloted it in some areas.

“It is about protecting starter homes as we are losing homes in areas of high density terraced housing.”

And Jack Hemmingway, Deputy Leader, said: “We need to regulate HMOs better. The consultation showed the community is behind the council taking action on this issue.

“We can also look at other areas [to introduce the measure],” he said.

Increased strain

Morley said before the meeting: “Having too many HMOs in a place can be difficult to manage. With impacts on our roads and other local transport infrastructure. Increased strain on our public services. And it can cause big changes to the character of an area very quickly.

“These new regulations will improve the wellbeing of our communities by ensuring a range of factors are considered through the planning applications process and will help make sure we all have a place we’re proud to call home.”

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